I'm planning my epic Cornwall (UK) to Capetown (SA) Trans-Africa adventure departing new year 2013. I'm planning on taking 2 LandRover Defender 130 pickups and and a Defender 110 so will have quite a few spaces available for anyone interested in doing something similar.
The trip is in the early stages of planning and at the moment, all options are open. I'm interested to hear from anyone who seeks adventure travel in its purest form. You can come with me for all or part of the way and also for the return and you can have input into the trip too.
This is a private expedition, and, although there will be a cost, I can provide all of the sleeping/tents and cooking equipment required en route and there will be the ability for you to plan in particular sights or destinations along the route as prefered.
The outward and return trips are currently estimated at 3 months each with a 2 month layover in between. Prefered routes at the moment involve the Western route on the way down and the Eastern route on the way back up.
I have experience of running shorter expeds and I have lived and travelled in Africa and around the world so I'm pretty experienced with most aspects of this kind of venture but I'm not a commercial operator and this trip is a first for me. I do have the benefit of local contacts and guides and the advice of very seasoned 'experts' both here and in SA to draw upon which should mitigate problems and help to avoid disasters.
My vehicles will be very well equipped, maintained and reliable with plenty of spares and we'll have Satphone and GPS backup. Each vehicle will have a driver/mechanic/first aider but subject to conditions, these tasks will be shared out as well as the normal communual duties that are associated with trans-africa expeditions.
These trips are undertaken regularly and by many people - however, by its nature, overland travel is not the same as a trip around the M25 and delays, breakdowns and the unexpected should all be taken in their stride.
This IS an overland expedition and as such, we will be driving on most days. Having said that, the plan is to minimise driving hours to no more than 5 or 6 and there are no plans to travel after dark. Where possible, you will have a choice of camping or hostel and on occaison, we will have longer stays if the mood dictates.
So - if you crave adventure, want to meet like minded souls, have a yearning to hone your skills as a bush mechanic or off-road driver but above all want to get under the skin of Africa in the best possible way, then drop me a line and find out more.
I am looking for fellow travellers from ALL backgrounds, ALL ages, ALL cultures and ANY ability. The only stipulation I have is a minimum age of 18. There is no upper age limit. If you can look after yourself and are prepared to get stuck in then this could be the trip for you.
Happy travels - Barney
